The Federal Government has reassured families of the abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwarra LGA of Niger State, that the children “are where they are and will come back safely.”
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu delivered the message during a visit to Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, and relatives of the victims at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral in Kontagora.
According to a statement issued by Dan Atori, media aide to the CAN chairman, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope, saying security agencies have intensified operations to ensure the pupils’ safe return.
He noted that the President is deeply troubled by the attack and has placed priority attention on the rescue efforts.
Ribadu visited alongside the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, and the Director General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi.
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He urged Nigerians to stand together against what he called a “common enemy,” insisting that evil will not triumph.
He also commended Bishop Yohanna for his steadfastness and highlighted growing international support from countries such as the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
The NSA assured that the school will recover from the tragedy and that security measures in the area will be reinforced. Before a closed-door meeting with stakeholders, he received hard copies of the investigation report.
Parents and school authorities, including the Principal, Rev. Sister Felicia Gyang, recounted the circumstances of the abduction and shared their continued anguish as they await the children’s return.